Review - MAD SHADOW, Self-titled CD
 
After receiving a copy of the new MAD Shadow cd, this reviewer has played it several times, enjoying it more each time. For a first time offering, Mad Shadow (Danny Sveinson-guitars & keyboards, Erik Olufson-vocals & 12 string acoustic, Josh McDonald-drums and Tyler Lindgren-bass) has produced an exceptional product. From the opening squeal of 'I own the Road', cd liner-notes and design to the "beyond exceptional" skills of lead guitarist Danny Sveinson and howling vocals of lead singer Erik Olufson, I am quite frankly, blown away that 4 under-20 guys can pull it off with such relative ease, which one would expect to see from more experienced players in the music industry.

The quality of the songwriting is just amazing and the beauty of the 12 string acoustic on 'Reflections' reminds me of some of the earlier albums by fellow BC recording artist Bryan Adams. The lead guitarist, 18year old Danny Sveinson is nothing short of a rock God in the making. When you listen to this kid pound away on his guitar you will think, Jimmy Hendrix-who? I had the pleasure of seeing this young man play as a 12 year old guitar prodigy and from that day, always knew that he was destined for rock and roll greatness. His star is beginning to burn brightly and one day he will soar to un-imaginable heights in the music industry.
 
Lead Vocalist Erik Olufson, who I would describe as a cross between the late Jim Morrison (The Doors) and Roger Daltrey (The Who) has a set of pipes that just scream, "get in, sit down shut the hell up and hold on". I expect that as time passes, his voice will only improve and the power behind it will continue to impress not only the fans, but the record producers, the disc jockeys and everyone else in the recording industry.
 
Drummer Josh McDonald, the 'visual timekeeper' of Mad Shadow, pounds his skins with a ferocity I haven't seen since catching Tommy Lee drum with Motley Crue in Edmonton in Summer of 2008. Bass guitarist Tyler Lindgren, who I like to refer to as the 'rhythm master' for Mad Shadow is equally as impressive. His ability to keep the beat moving on this CD is nothing short of 'Wow'. The only real concern I have with this CD is the bass guitar. While the Bass guitar playing is excellent, the quality of the bass-recording is not as good. In this writer's opinion, it's almost like there is perhaps an issue with mixing; on several of the tracks, the bass is somewhat 'muddy', some feedback is evident and has a tinny/kind of hollow sound.
 
Overall, I would give this CD a 4 out of 5 ROCKstar rating. I look forward to hearing more CD's as Mad Shadow will only get better. If you get a chance to see this group of exceptional musicians perform, you had better take it while the ticket prices are cheap. I would certainly consider booking them as an opening act and its only a matter of time before other bands will be opening for THEM. Rock On Guys!
 
R.W. Overbo